Episode 91 - You are Capable of Doing the Hard Things —with Natalie Real - a podcast by Joanna Lilley, MA, NCC

from 2021-09-20T06:00

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Just because your path doesn’t look like theirs doesn’t mean you aren’t as capable as them. Whether it’s to be a doctor or to simply be a college student. The only thing that doesn’t make you ‘capable’ is whether or not you choose to believe in yourself.

Natalie Real is a first generation college student who originally dropped out of high school at the age of 16, leaving school with an eighth grade education. For the longest time Natalie didn’t even feel like she had what it took to get her GED, let alone go to college. It wasn’t until she had her biological son when she decided to challenge what she believed she was capable of. She ended up going on to receive a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in School Counseling. Natalie strives to help people not only in a logical way with college processes but also in an emotionally supportive way.

On this episode of Success is Subjective, Natalie joins Joanna to share her story going from doing substances and dropping out of high school, to coming to find a determination to figure out college processes and graduate all while being a mom. You will be sure to feel the emotion and passion radiate from Natalie and her beautiful story. Listen in for insight on how Natalie made what seemed impossible, more than possible for her and her family, and works to make it possible for others as well. 

What You Will Learn

Growing up without the conversation of college

The struggle of growing up with parents who are having trouble with their marriage 

How family struggles caused Natalie to check out of school and obtain zero credits in high school

Becoming self sufficient at the age of 15 causing academics to become irrelevant   

Dealing with substance abuse issues                                                                                                        

The turning point that Natalie had after having her first child

The courage it took for Natalie to go to college and get past her imposter syndrome

The struggle of finding a job after graduating 

Being in school while being a mom

The journey of navigating college on your own

The passion that Natalie has for helping others with college advising

How Natalie plans to tremendously help people in the next few years

Connect with Natalie Real

  • Call or text 719-238-0013
  • Email natalie.real@yahoo.com

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Further episodes of Success is Subjective: Helping parents of college students accept that dropping out is okay

Further podcasts by Joanna Lilley, MA, NCC

Website of Joanna Lilley, MA, NCC